2018 Genesis G80 Sport gets the G90's twin-turbocharged V6

For 2018, Genesis has revised the whole G80 lineup with a few small tweaks to interior and exterior design, but the real news is the new G80 Sport trim. The new model offers a significantly different looking, and probably different feeling, car.

The changes start outside with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, as well as new sideskirts. The front bumper has sprouted a pair of vents between the upper and lower grille, along with larger side grilles. The rear bumper gets a faux diffuser and dual exhaust tips on each side. The look is accented by dark chrome and copper-colored trim, as well as exclusive 19-inch wheels.

The aggressive exterior hints at the new mechanical bits underneath. Under the hood, the Sport gets the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 from the G90 flagship sedan. As in the G90, the V6 makes 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, with the latter available anywhere between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. It should certainly be an enjoyable engine with so much low-end torque, but it is interesting that Genesis would introduce the trim with a less-powerful engine than the 5.0-liter V8, which is available on other G80 trim levels. The V8 makes 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. Perhaps Hyundai doesn't want to create a range-topping sporty model just to have a more impressive N model steal its thunder.

Aside from the engine, the G80 Sport also gets upgraded suspension that's been retuned and fitted with continuously adjusting shocks, and entilated discs are added at the rear. Genesis tuned the shift-by-wire eight-speed automatic to be more aggressive. Inside, Genesis added a variety of sporty touches, including carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedals, a leather sport steering wheel, and leather seats with copper contrast stitching.

The G80 Sport goes on sale this coming spring. The rest of the mildly revised G80 line-up will be available at the same time. Genesis did not, however, reveal pricing for any of its 2018 G80 models.